Chapter 15 - Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 1

Describe Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer 1

black grape from southwest France
require long warm growing season
moderate-warm climate
pronounced black fruit, herbaceous aromas
high tannin, high acidity
very age worthy

Question 2

Describe Cab sauv winemaking options

Answer 2

Can be single var, but often blended to soften tannin/acidity
Often matured in oak for months/years before bottling, softening tannin and imparting oak influence (smoke/vanilla/cloves)
Aged characteristics: dried fruit/earth/forest floor

Question 3

What countries notably grow Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 3

France, USA, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand

Question 4

Describe the growing regions for Cab Sauv in France

Answer 4

Bordeaux - Often too cool for Cab, although some Left bank soils contain lots of stones for Increased drainage and heat retention.
Within Medoc is Haut-Medoc, and within that are Paulliac and Margaux (all AOCs)
Within Graves is Pessac-Leognan (both AOCs)

South of France - warm and less variable weather. Ripens reliably, single var Cab Sauv and blends here.

Question 5

Describe Cab Sauv growing regions in USA

Answer 5

Napa - Sonoma : both produce very good or outstanding Cab Sauvs
Napa - warm sunny climate, long rowing season.
Oakville & Rutherford - subregions of Napa. full bodied ripe-black-fruit, high-ripe tannin
Calistoga - far north Napa, warmer. some of the most ripest and full bodied of napa

Wine labeled California can be blended from grapes across the entire state. Most comes from hot Central Valley, intended for immediate consumption

Question 6

Describe Cab Sauv growing regions in Chile

Answer 6

Maipo Valley - Colchagua Valley
Both sub areas of the Central Valley
Very good to outstanding single var. wines as well as blends with Merlot and Carmenere.
Often have distinct herbal (mint) and herbaceous (g.bell pep) alongside black fruit and oak.

Question 7

Describe Cab Sauv growing regions in South Africa

Answer 7

Stellenbosch - high quality region. Mountainous. moderate-warm depending on altitude.
Wines vary from fresh-herbal to full bodied cooked-fruit.

Cab Sauv and Merlot blended with Pinotage and are called a Cape Blend

Question 8

What is a Cape Blend?

Answer 8

Cab sauv and merlot blended with pinotage

Question 9

Describe Cab Sauv growing regions in Australia

Answer 9

Margaret River - Coonawara
Margaret River (W.Aus) Warm region moderated by coastal breezes and plentiful winter rain. Ripe black-fruit subtle oak.

Coonawara - cloud cover & cooling breezes from south. 
Distinct herb (mint) pronounced blackcurrant, and smoke/cedar. Very good to outstanding and can develop for many years.

Question 10

Describe Cab Sauv growing regions in New Zealand.

Answer 10

Hawke’s Bay - moderate climate
Cab needs warmest sites here to ripen. Blended with merlot commonly.
Fresh red/black fruit, herbaceous (g.bell pep)

Question 11

What newer styles of Cab Sauv are emerging?

Answer 11

gentler winemaking practices that yeild a less tannic wine that can be enjoyed at a younger age, fresh and fruity. Especially in Chile.